I’m enjoying a few days of quiet downtime before my life picks up speed on Monday. That’s the day I officially step out of retirement and take up the mantle of being a pastor again (for the next three months). I’m actually excited for the challenge, but just for now I’m feeling content to be moving slow. Today I spent a couple of hours in my new (temporary) office, just giving it a bit of personal flavor. I had a lovely phone conversation with one old friend, and then had dinner with two other friends I hadn’t seen in over a year. And finally I brought the day to a close sitting on the deck, in the dark, soaking in the stillness. The thing which all of these various pieces of my day shared in common was the unhurried pace and the peace which surrounded my soul. Even in retirement I don’t always remember to savor the amazing gift of time which has been given to me. Things will get busy again (quite soon, actually), but not yet. In this moment (which is ultimately the only moment any of us ever has access to) I am choosing to slow down and notice that I am surrounded by beauty and love and support. I feel grounded and centered and connected to my own true self. And a deep sense of gratitude warms my heart.